Full Course Description

Parkinson's Disease: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Optimize Outcomes

Typically, it is expected that individuals with PD will decline or at best maintain their level of function.

It’s time to challenge the norm. Progress is not only possible in individuals with Parkinson’s but should be expected.

Though the variations in presentation can be challenging, this action packed, and skill-focused training explores a tangible framework to:

Utilize exercise as medicine and dive into how often, how hard and the specific types that are best suited for individuals with PD
Maximize mobility and independence with fall prevention essentials
Integrate targeted solutions for every challenge a person with Parkinson’s may encounter including visual dysfunction, hypomimia, freezing of gait and more!
Improve function in daily and complex situations with cognitive and motor dual task activities

And best of all? Through an experiential lab, you’ll learn to incorporate key elements that promote recovery in every person’s plan of care including:

Aerobic exercise – Skill-based training – Dual-task training – Facial muscle exercise – Visual rehab

You’ll learn exactly what you need to know to see improvements clients you (and they) didn’t realize were possible.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine the primary challenges of clients with PD and prioritize a treatment plan based on the evidence.
Design treatment interventions for individuals with Parkinson’s to optimize functional outcomes.
Create an exercise program for an individual or group with key evidence-based components.
Integrate current evidence supporting dual tasking and cognitive training into physical therapy for people with Parkinson’s.
Evaluate symptoms of hypomimia in patients with PD and develop a patient-centered facial rehabilitation program.
Investigate how dopamine can affect the visual system with individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
Differentiate screening assessments for visual deficits associated with Parkinson’s Disease.

Outline

Exercise as Medicine - Aerobic

Research reviews and updates
Case studies
Research-based parameters for aerobic exercises
Measuring and tracking aerobic conditioning

Exercise as Medicine – Skill-based

Evidence for neuroplasticity with skill-based exercise
Defining skill-based exercise and incorporating it into treatment
Types of skill-based exercise, progressions and regressions

Visual Dysfunction in PD

Common visual disturbances in PD
Impact of medication on vision
Understanding how dopamine affects vision
Screening for common visual dysfunction in PD
Treatment and referrals

Active Circuit Session

Experience cognitive and motor dual task activity and progression

Dual Task Exercise

The evidence and definitions for dual task training
Understanding dual task vs single task complexity
Understanding the cognitive function domains and how to address each
Common deficits in dual tasking for people with PD and evidence-based interventions
Dual tasking ideas, progressions, regressions, and examples to use immediately

Treating Hypomimia

Definition of hypomimia and the impact on people with PD
Facial expression and early detection of PD
Measuring and assessing hypomimia
Proprioceptive facial training and targeted exercises

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapist Assistants

Copyright : 08/25/2023

One Size Does Not Fit All: Parkinson Disease & the Parkinsonisms

Therapy approaches for Parkinson’s disease are often overly simplified to one or two global approaches. This course offers the ability to identify and treat the different subtypes of Parkinson’s disease for enhanced outcomes. A classification paradigm will be presented along with explanations of primary tremor, rigidity, primary dyskinesia, freezing gait, postural considerations, festination and why defining your patients presenting characteristics structures the plan of care. Additionally, become informed regarding the most common Parkinsonisms and the subtypes under the Parkinson’s umbrella. Current evidence is presented regarding the how, what, where, when and why of treatment for this challenging and rewarding population.

Discover the neurophysiology of Parkinson’s Disease and Parskinsonisms, how they differ and the subtypes of each
Cutting edge evidence-based treatment strategies tailored to the specific needs of your patients, not their diagnostic nomenclature

If you are ready for clinical applications that will immediately assist with differential diagnosis and management of these conditions – this is your course!

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate relevant physiologic differences between Parkinsonisms and Parkinson’s Disease.
Distinguish 1 key clinical feature for each of the Parkinsonisms and each subtype of Parkinson’s Disease.
Formulate 3 evidence-based treatment differences in clinical interventions between Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonisms.

Outline

Parkinson’s Disease vs Parkinsonisms

Neurophysiology of Parkinson's Disease 
Neurophysiology of Parkinsonisms

Clinical features of the Parkinsonisms and each subtype of Parkinson’s Disease

Clinical examination
Differential diagnosis of PD vs. Parkinsonisms

Treatment Strategies

Evidence-based treatment differences in clinical interventions between Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonisms. 
Rehabilitation approaches across the phenotypes of PD

Rehabilitative approaches

Freezing of Gait (FoG)
Rehabilitation approaches in Parkinsonisms: Multiple System Atrophy, CBGD, PSP

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech-Language Pathologists
Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors

Copyright : 08/24/2021

Neurological Considerations in Fall Risk

Falls are NOT inevitable, even in individuals with neurologic diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis - rehab professionals may have a direct impact on this reality. Early intervention is key to improved outcomes. We will investigate new models and the neurobiology of pathological fatigue as it relates to Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Furthermore, the science behind neuroplasticity, proprioception, muscle tone and balance will be analyzed to reduce fall risk in this population.

Discover somatosensory components of movement and the impact on fall risk
Understand neurological disease and its progression regarding balance, fatigue and proprioception
Integrate neuroplasticity principles in screening, assessment, and interventions

Leave this course with comprehensive screening and assessment tools, greater knowledge of effective interventions, and awareness of how to utilize neuroplasticity principles with neurological diagnoses.

Program Information

Objectives

Employ comprehensive assessments to identify issues with balance, visual-spatial functioning, proprioception and fatigue.
Assess available interventions to guide appropriate utilization for safely restoring balance, mobility, and function in patients with varied origins of fall risk.
Integrate multiple approaches and exercise programs for superior outcomes in individuals with neurological disease and increased fall risk.
Appraise the role of neuroplasticity and BDNF in fall risk in individuals with neurological diseases.

Outline

Comprehensive assessments strategies

Identify issues with balance, visual-spatial functioning, proprioception and fatigue
Review the CDC – STEADI INITIATIVE for fall prevention

Interventions

Appropriate utilization for safety and results
Methods to restore balance, mobility, and function
Advanced interventions for fall prevention
Neuro-motor function from the sensory and motor systems

Program Design

Integrate multiple approaches and exercise programs for superior outcomes in individuals with neurological disease
Review the literature regarding interventions

Neuroplasticity

Role of neuroplasticity and BDNF in fall risk
Introduce most recent literature about neuroplasticity and BDNF
Application for decreased fall risk

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors

Copyright : 09/15/2021

Nutritional Strategies for Improving Quality of Life with Parkinson's Disease

Esther Ellis, MS, RDN, LDN, is a writer and registered dietitian nutritionist. She will review the role of nutrition in improving quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s Disease. Attendees will gain a better understanding of nutrition strategies for symptom management and how proper nutrition, especially preventing or treating malnutrition, can lead to better patient outcomes. Learn what and how commonly prescribed medications can impact nutrition status and nutrition strategies for increasing efficacy.

Program Information

Objectives

Recognize risk factors for malnutrition specific to people with Parkinson’s Disease.
Describe nutrition strategies for management of common symptoms.
List often seen vitamin and mineral deficiencies and understand the importance of screening.
Summarize ways in which medications and PD treatments can be impacted by nutrition and vice versa.
Address changing nutritional needs throughout the disease process

Outline

Malnutrition

Importance of preventing malnutrition for better patient outcomes
Changing dietary needs
Risk factors for people with PD
Tips for prevention and treatment

Nutrition Strategies for Symptom Management

Constipation
Diarrhea
Gastroparesis
Nausea and vomiting
Changes to taste and smell
Reflux
Low blood pressure/orthostatic hypotension

Bone Health

Bone mineral density and osteoporosis
Common (and often missed) vitamin deficiencies that contribute
Nutrition and lifestyle strategies

Dysphagia

Working with healthcare team
The role of artificial nutrition support

Medications

Common medications and potential diet-related side effects
Protein timing to improve efficacy of Levodopa

End of Life Care

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Pharmacists

Home Modifications

Most people want to remain in their own homes as they age. Therapists have unique skills that allow them to identify the interaction between the client’s skills, values/goals, and the impact of the environment on their ability to perform valued or necessary activities. This session provides an introductory overview of why therapy professionals should be completing home accessibility and safety assessments and the initial steps in order to start a business completing home modifications the right way.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the research behind why occupational therapy professionals are best suited to complete home modifications.
Determine how you can address accessibility and safety in your current or future practice setting.
Develop a framework to help older adults age in place for improved quality of life.
Articulate the needs for and benefits of home accessibility and safety assessments.

Outline

Increased need for therapy services for older adults
- Review of research about increasing #s of seniors and people with disabilities
- Current state of the housing stock in the USA
- Older Adults Desire to live at home
- Impact of living at home on quality of life etc
- Benefits of seeing clients in the home
Research Supporting therapy in the Home
- Reduce Hospitalizations
- Reduce Falls
- Improve Cognition, quality of life, and mental health
- Reduce Caregiver Burden
Research Supporting Occupational Therapy Professionals as experts for Home Modifications
- Complex versus simple interventions
- Multi visit versus 1 consultation visit
- The “magic sauce” person-tasks-environment interaction that is client centered/led
Basic Steps to starting a Home Modification Business

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Parkinson’s and the SLP: Treatment Approaches for Voice, Speech, Language, Cognition and Other Issues

Motor symptoms in Parkinson’s, such as slowness of movement, rigidity, and tremor have long been the focus of identification, assessment, and treatment with rehab as well as with medications and surgery.

However, the problem is some of the earliest symptoms to appear—the non-motor issues—impact speech, language, and cognition and are often overlooked until these symptoms become more pronounced and visible. Also, of concern, many of these issues are not responsive to pharmacological or surgical intervention. This is where treatment with speech-language pathologists comes into play.

Join international Parkinson’s expert, John Dean, MA, CCC-SLP, as he helps you find the clinical answers you’ve been seeking for clients with symptoms that are not responsive to pharmacological or surgical intervention.

This workshop will be a fast-moving intensive look at a range of common communication and cognitive issues associated with Parkinson’s as they intersect with the speech-language pathology scope of practice, including voice and speech as well as language and cognition. You will learn how to skillfully implement a range of treatment approaches to meet your clients’ needs and goals!

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate key areas of cognitive dysfunction associated with Parkinson’s and potential implications upon communication.
Investigate core features of Parkinson’s with respect to communication deficits and swallowing dysfunction and relevant treatment approaches for each.
Employ computer and/or smart phone-based technologies that can be employed by the speech language pathologist to help improve speech and voice in patients with Parkinson’s.

Outline

Hallmarks of Parkinson’s-Speech

Quiet voice/hypophonia
Sloppy articulation - excess noise due to frication
Visualization of the vocal folds

Treatment Approaches

LSVT LOUD (formally Lee Silverman Voice Therapy)
SPEAK OUT (Parkinson’s Voice Project)
PLVT (Pitch Limited Voice Therapy)
Apps

Articulation Difficulties & Fluency Disorders

Parkinson’s Swallowing
Drooling and risk for swallowing dysfunction
Potential impacts for each stage of swallowing
Emerging tools and other possible ways to help
Other interventions with strong evidence

Cognition – The Intersection of Language and Cognition

Influence of other cognitive domains
Attention
Set shifting
Disinhibition
Executive function

Target Audience

Speech-Language Pathologist